Follow us!

How To Survive A Hurricane

How To Survive A Hurricane

As Houston recovers from the disaster of Hurricane Harvey, a once in 500-year storm, three other major weather events making their way from the Atlantic Ocean up to the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storms Jose and Katia are estimated to cause substantial damage to Florida and surrounding areas. The storms have already dealt heavy blows to the island of Barbuda with the Prime Minister stating that they had lost at least 90% of structures and are heading up to Puerto Rico. As Floridians prepare for the storm to cross their path, we wanted to create a post that would equip them for any eventuality.

Before the Hurricane Hits

The most important aspect of hurricane preparedness is to have a plan. When a storm hits, you and your family may not be together and have to find shelter in unexpected places. Make sure that every family member knows where to meet up in the wake of the hurricane.

Remove all lawn furniture from outside as they could become projectiles if picked up by the wind.

Shutter windows with plywood to avoid glass breaking. Turn the refrigerator to the coldest setting in case you lose power and have a cooler on hand, so you don’t need to keep opening the fridge door.

Fill zip lock bags with water and freeze them. Ice is easier to stack and will melt into water.

Fill large containers and bathtubs with water for drinking and sanitary purposes.

Put all crucial documents and photographs in a watertight container…if you do not have a watertight container then your dishwasher can work.

Unplug all electronic items

Keep an ax on hand in case you need to remove debris blocking your path.

Try to have at least a 3-day supply of food and water with at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.

You should also try to maintain a supply of:

Canned foods and a can opener

Flashlights and batteries

Weather-proof radio

First-aid kit

Fire extinguisher

A 7-day supply of any medications that you may need

Whistles

Extra cash, ATM services will most likely be down in the event of a hurricane

After the Hurricane Hits

Follow ALL recommendations and orders from authorities. If they tell you to get out, GET OUT.

Use the telephone for emergency calls only

911 will most likely be overloaded with calls, so try to see if your local 911 center has text-to-911 enabled

Photograph storm damage for insurance purposes

Use flashlights in the dark, not candles

Avoid drinking or cooking with tap water until it is deemed safe by authorities

Use Facebook’s ‘Safety Check’ to let friends and families know that you are safe.

The most important aspect of hurricane preparedness is that you can never be too prepared. Stay safe!